Just Finished Beginner - First Impressions

[SilverAura]

Alright so this may or may not be the best place to mention this but having just beaten beginner for the first time, I'm having a difficult time not having someplace to express how I feel about the game so far.

 

To say I'm impressed with the game and how much I've enjoyed it would be a massive understatement. I was first introduced to Klei through Don't Starve, being one of the few roguelike games that I've genuinely enjoyed playing for very extended periods of time. I loved the game and still return to it from time to time. But it's often been in my experience that one hit wonders are more common than not, so I wasn't too interested in much else Klei had a hand in. Big mistake.

 

I skimmed past Invisible, Inc. a few times after it was officially released but wasn't sure. I watched some videos and the overall reception seemed very positive so I took the dive when it was on sale for 20% off on Steam. Of course it went down to 33% off a few days later and I was already 4.7 hours in so a refund was out of the question, but if I'm completely honest with myself, I wouldn't have had the heart to do it. In fact, I partially regret even getting 20% off because had I known I would have enjoyed it as much as I did, I would have easily paid full price.

 

The amount of depth in the game makes this easily among my favorite roguelike games. It seems to take inspiration from all the right places and combines everything in a beautifully simple way at achieving very complex multi-layered concepts.

 

Perhaps my favorite moments were when scenarios play out so well that you explain it to a friend and you literally feel like you're writing a scene from a suspenseful action thriller. I've never played a turn based game that's managed to achieve that level of excitement. Throw into that the dash of humor the game has hidden everywhere and you've got an experience I can see myself losing large amounts of time to.

 

Even the final mission was crazy fun for me because it seemed like everything I learned up to that point was paying off. I had backup plans and strategies to deal with what I anticipated happening. Yet none of that could even begin to scratch the surface of the feeling I had when a guards' shield broke unexpectedly. I forgot I injected a parasite in him when he spawned in because I saw stage 6 armor. It was one of the most satisfying things I've done in a game.

 

Ultimately what I guess I'm trying to say is, Klei, you've more than earned my respect. You've gained a fan and I can't wait to see more of what you do. And while I'm no where near having experienced everything this game has to offer, if you happen to release DLC like you did for Don't Starve, you can safely bet that I'll be waiting in line to buy it. Great game.

[StaypuftMMM]

That's great you've enjoyed it so far.  

It really is a well put together game.  Frustratingly difficult at times but quite rewarding when I am able to get my people out of a jam.

My favorite part is playing endless mode because I never really felt like I had much time to get my agents outfitted by the time the final mission ended.  So I'd suggest giving that a go and hopefully you'll like it as much as the campaign.  

[Druitt]

I'm just a few missions into Beginner and have to also add that it's amazing how stories play out. At one point, I'd gone way to long -- a little hard to tell how to get to the exit sometimes -- and had a boatload of guards running around, with a couple between us and the exit. I figured I was a dead man.

 

I figured I'd learn a bit more before everyone got killed, so stayed hidden, and the guards ran past me. Whoa! Not sure if Beginner cheated in my favor, or if I happened to to just the right thing, but all three got out. Yeah, that's dramatic storytelling like no other game I've played.

[JamesTheLimey]

I have definitely learned to never give up until your last agent is down.  As hopeless as some situations look, there is always a chance (including dragging a downed agent into the elevator and escaping with them).  Of course, there are other situations where it really IS as hopeless as it looks, but you never know which is which unless you play it out to its conclusion.